Why is Toronto in the doldrums?

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday November 6, 2009 00:00

Moyo was spoilt for choice when it came to selecting the starting 11. Thazo Tiwayi, Kingsley Moleleki, Brown Gasemotho, Freddie Ramodise, Maybin Chama, Masauso Tembo, Barcos Mosimanegape, Innocent Ranku and Fabian Zulu just to name a few were all class.

They all created a headache for opposition sides on match day. Notwane swept every domestic knockout cup available and became the main attraction when it came to entertaining football.

In 1997, Toronto put Botswana football on the international map when they became the first local side to reach the second round of an African club competition. After knocking out Mahlabanyatsi Rovers (Swaziland) and Fire Brigade (Mauritius) in the preliminary round and first round respectively of the then CAF Cup Winners Cup, the fairytale run ended in the second round when they were knocked out by South African side Pretoria University (now Supersport United).

After winning league titles in 1978, 1996 and 1998, Toronto have been on a dry patch, playing second fiddle to the likes of Mogoditshane Fighters, BDF XI and Township Rollers. In the last four seasons, Notwane could only look haplessly as Police XI, ECCO City Greens and Mochudi Centre Chiefs won their first league titles. Gaborone United (GU) put their house in order and won the league this year after a 19-year dry spell.

What makes it more painful for Toronto supporters is that last year, their side was involved in the relegation dogfight. The recent developments have been a source of concern to most supporters with reports of factions in the Notwane camp. Last year when Molebatsi Molebatsi was roped in as chairman, there was a lot of expectation from those close to the club. Their hopes were raised further when the cream of the national Under-23 squad Tebogo Sembowa, Moreetsi Mosimanyana and Jackie Mothatego were brought in to beef up what already looked like a championship-winning squad.

Unfortunately, things did not work out as Molebatsi spent most of his time away and thus not dealing with important issues of the club. There were also reports of players revolting because of unpaid wages. Molebatsi was relieved of his duties at a special meeting held in September. Some players even left for other clubs.

Over the last five years, Notwane have lost some of their best players because of what has been viewed as incompetent leadership. Moloi brothers Pontsho and Dirang, Gobonyeone Selefa, Botshelo Mogotsi, Mothatego, Mompoloki Sephekolo and Mpoeleng Mpoeleng are some of the quality players who left and are now excelling in other clubs.

Most Notwane supporters must be wondering what led Toronto to the doldrums? Fingers have pointed at different people but that alone cannot answer questions or provide solutions. Some commentators argue that Notwane's lack of financial muscle has contributed immensely to its downfall.

Zulu, a long time assistant coach at Notwane, believes that there is need to attend to the sinking ship before things get worse. He lamented that it is important for the club's elders to come to the rescue by getting involved in the administration. 'During our time, we managed to deliver on the field of play because the committee at the time treated us like their children. They knew that our welfare came first. At the same time, most of us were not playing for money but for pride. But these days, if you do not give the players money, they revolt,' he said. Zulu added that Notwane have to get more quality players who can stand the test when the going gets tough. 'But at the same time, it is difficult for Notwane to sign players because they are struggling financially. My worry is that while the youngsters at Notwane are good, it will be difficult for them when the league gets tough. If you look at Rollers for example, they have signed experienced players who will help them when it is tough,' he said.

Another former Notwane star, Gasemotho, said the biggest problem, which has contributed to the club's decline, has been money. But he is confident that the situation will improve and the club will sign new players in January to strengthen the squad. Gasemotho added that there has been lack of commitment from all stakeholders at the club. 'There is need to overhaul the current executive committee because in the last three years, there has never been improvements in the running of the club. There is need to beef up the executive in order for it to deliver,' he said.

The former Notwane striker is disappointed that the club's elders have not come to the rescue. This has seen the same people retaining positions in the executive committee for a long time. Gasemotho warned that if the elders do not come forward, the club will find it difficult to sustain its place in the elite league.

Notwane's welfare manager, Collins Sekaba said that despite their off the field problems, they will turn the corner soon. He said that Toronto have good players who can compete with the rest in the Premier League but they needed a coach who understands the culture of the club. 'It is important to get a reputable sponsor for the team. At the time when we were successful, the executive knew how to get the results hence we won more silverware,' said Sekaba.

This week, there has been a big tent at Notwane grounds with some people speculating that the club has sought divine intervention. But whether it is true or not, Notwane have to start collecting points otherwise they might relegate. Tomorrow, they entertain newcomers Motlakase at the Molepolole Sports Stadium. The rookies shocked the football fraternity when they beat champions Gaborone United 4-1 in Francistown last weekend.